Partnership

Not long after our oldest was born it became obvious that Kate, my wife, was going stir crazy. She had worked right up until Liz was born. So one evening I ordered her to call her boss and ask about returning to work.  After some protest she did. Her boss was delighted about the request and asked her to work nights representing the school of Arts and Science for the night students at Lawrence Institute of Technology (now Lawrence Technological University). She was the first woman to return to work after having a baby at Lawrence Tech.

For a dozen or more years she worked three nights a week when school was in session. Often we would pass at the front door when I got home. It was up to me to get dinner, entertain our daughters, and get them to bed complete with story time. Often I just wanted to relax with the evening paper unwinding from the day.

All four of us are richer for this environment.

My wife got to continue interacting with students and professors keeping her engaged with the world. She later went on to teaching office applications to other employees of Lawrence Tech and finally as an instructor at Baker College.

My daughters got to know me much better than if Kate had stayed home and taken on more of the parenting. I believe both are stronger women that have more self confidence and can interact with men on an equal basis. They have kept their curiosity.

I got to have longer, stronger marriage. Kate needed the mental stimulation. We also know each other better and allow the other more independence. We are equal partners who do not stay together out of need but of respect and love.

I know my daughters better. There is an openness in our discussions that I think would not be there if I had less involvement with them. I got to see a lot more of their rich and wonderful world.